Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1895 — Unanimity of Opinion. [ARTICLE]

Unanimity of Opinion.

The mighty Sheik Abdullah, desiring to test the sincerity of his councilors, asked the court sage, old Enekazi, how he could carry out his wish. “Very easily,” replied the sage. “You never composed a line of poetry in your life. Go and write at once a long ballad and read it to your courtiers. You will judge of the effect for yourself. Tomorrow I will come again and learn the result of your observations.” Next day the wise Enekazi entered the sheik’s tent, saying, “Did you follow my advice, mighty sheik?” “Certainly. I was completely taken by surprise at what followed the reading of my poem. The councilors were unanimous in its praise. One exclaimed that this was the long-sought-for ballad of the great poet Ibu-Yemin; another, that I was a bright luminary in the firmament of poetry; a third craved permission to cut off a small piece of my robe In memory of the eventful occasion and the immortal bard—in a word, they were all In ecstasies, and praised my ideas and my language up to the skies.” “And what about old Henriadin?” eagerly questioned the sage. “H’m! He dropped to sleep while I was reading.” “Ha! ha! What did you conclude from that, mighty sheik?” said the old man, triumphantly. “What conclusion could I come to?” replied the sheik, with some surprise, “if not the same as all the rest, namely, that I possess very great talent for poetry!” Enekazi salaamed, lighted his chibouk, and—held his peace. For he was in sooth a wise man.